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Western Orphean warbler

Western Orphean warbler

Wikipedia

The western Orphean warbler is an Old World warbler of the genus Curruca. This species occurs in summer around the Mediterranean, through western Europe and extending into northwest Africa. It is migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a rare vagrant to northern and north-western Europe.

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Distribution

Region

Mediterranean Basin

Typical Environment

Breeds in open woodlands, maquis and garrigue scrub, olive groves, orchards, and forest edges around the Mediterranean and into western Europe and northwest Africa. Prefers mosaic landscapes with scattered trees and dense shrubs for cover. During migration and winter it uses dry savanna, acacia scrub, thornbush, and semi-open woodland across the Sahel and adjacent zones. Nests are usually placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forests and very treeless habitats.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm
Wing Span25–30 cm
Male Weight0.025 kg
Female Weight0.023 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Among the largest of the typical warblers, the Western Orphean warbler has a strong bill and a rich, fluty song that inspired its classical name. It breeds around the Mediterranean and in parts of western Europe, then migrates to the Sahel and savanna zones of sub‑Saharan Africa for winter. Adults show a striking pale eye that contrasts with a darker facial mask. They feed mainly on insects in spring and summer, adding fruits and berries later in the season.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Eggs

Eggs

Cuculus canorus bangsi (Cuckoo) egg in a Sylvia hortensis clutch

Cuculus canorus bangsi (Cuckoo) egg in a Sylvia hortensis clutch

Behaviour

Temperament

alert and somewhat skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights

Social Behavior

Typically encountered singly or in pairs on breeding territories. Monogamous pairs build a neat cup nest in dense shrubbery or small trees, laying 3–5 eggs. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species foraging groups in scrub and woodland edges.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

A rich, mellow warble with fluty phrases delivered from cover or an exposed perch; phrases are varied and can be sustained. Calls include sharp tacks and harsher scolding notes when alarmed.

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